Page 170 of Between Soul and Vessel
Von’s voice was flat. “Well, speak and get it over with. I have to finish brushing Sage’s hair.”
He smirked. “Is that code for some kinky sex thing?”
“Folkoln!” Von and I shouted at the same time.
He chuckled, lowered his hands into his pockets, and said, “I don’t think this is something Sage is going to want to hear. It’s about Artemesia.”
“Whatever you have to say about my sister, you can say to me,” I told him, lowering the brush to my side, my arm still more than ready to fire at a moment’s notice.
“You want to hear me talk about how bad I want to bone your sister?” he asked, looking genuinely surprised.
“No. No!” I shook my head, trying to forget what he just said. I turned to Von. “Before he says anything else I can’t forget, maybe you should go talk with him?”
“I don’t want to leave you alone,” he argued softly.
“His room is just down the hallway. I’ll be fine,” I reassured him.
Von sighed. “I’ll return shortly,” he promised. His thumb and forefinger captured my chin, lifting my face to his before he gave me a deep, breath-stealing kiss. Then, he and Folkoln left the room.
I finished brushing my hair and then headed into the bedroom. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth when I saw the silky bit of white cloth folded neatly on the bed.
A gift from Von before he left, no doubt. Always sothoughtful, my mate.
I ran my fingers over the smooth fabric, eager to put it on. As I got dressed in the lavish nightgown barely long enough to cover my bottom, I got lost in my thoughts.
Von and I were no closer to finding our child, but I still remained hopeful. My hand fell over my stomach. I wondered . . .
What if I had been carrying them with me all this time?
In truth, a selfish part of me hoped for that so that I could experience all those firsts with them. The first kick. The first smile. The first word. The first walk. I wanted to witness all of those big milestones, and I wanted to do it with Von.
My heart brimmed with happiness at the thought, of the possibility of a future like that.
But first, we needed to find them, and then we needed to get home.
Speaking of . . . I wondered how the others were making out, wishing I had a way to reach them—
Wait.
Soren, I said, the words echoing through the chasm of my mind. When there came no reply, I tried again, louder this time.Soren!
A shadow mouse appeared before me.Sage?
How are things going?I asked.
Soren rubbed his little paws over his face.Not great. Some lady groped Ryker and tried to buy him off Harper.He sighed.Harper knocked her out. Turns out, she was the mayor. So now we’re trying to keep a lowprofile. How are things going with you?
It’s a bit of a long story, but I might be able to power the energy stones,I said.There is a journal that might help us figure it out. The Goddess of Knowledge is going to see if she can find out where it might be.
That’s amazing,Soren squeaked.Oh, one second—Harper wants to know what you’re saying. I’ll relay the message to the others.
Alright, I’ll wait,I replied, returning to the bathroom. I eyed the small glass jars full of various oils—for face, skin, and hair. But considering Von had grown suspicious of those as well, I decided not to investigate them any further. With my luck, the brooding male would probably walk in at the exact moment I pulled the stopper off, and I’d be caught red-handed. Next, I’d find myself strewn over his lap, his hand branding my bottom.
I smiled at the thought.
Something was seriously wrong with me.
Ah!Soren screeched inside my head, his small paws covering his eyes.I did not need to see that!
